Bad Jumping Clinic with George Morris

Uncle George is cranky, he’s misplaced his reading glasses, and he’s dialing it in big-time. See how this week’s batch of riders stack up.

From George:

Horse-Fail-Photos Facebook page

This attractive pair shows potential but needs polish to advance in their training.

The rider is demonstrating the proper 90-degree knee angle and is doing a good job of bending from the waist to stay with her horse. A more correct leg position, however, would show the stirrup leather perpendicular (as opposed to parallel) to the ground.

Her hand position is typical of young riders these days–hovering above the neck rather than pressing into the neck for a crest release. Of course, I prefer the automatic release, with a straight line between the elbow and the bit, but I’ve been telling you people that for years and you’re still all doing it wrong so I’ll save my breath.

This horse has a very dramatic style and seems capable of jumping a much larger fence. His expression, however, is one of anger. Not that I blame him.

Their turnout is clean and workmanlike for a schooling situation, although everyone knows that colored saddle pads and ear bonnets make me want to stab my eyes out with a pen.

Next.

horseforum.com

The number one equitation flaw I see in the show ring today is young people laying on their horses’ necks. Not only is it unattractive, it also makes the horse’s job more difficult, as this photo illustrates. This rider needs let go of her horse’s ears and put weight in the heels for a more stable base of support.

Ordinarily I’d recommend working without stirrups, but this rider appears to already have that skill down.

I like how this horse is really going to the base of the fence. It’s a refreshing change from all the hunters I see loping around and leaving long, which produces a flat, unattractive jump. He has a fairly pleasant look on his face, considering the fact that his rider is on the verge of strangling him to death.

I’m just going to pretend that this rider is wearing a conservatively colored polo shirt, and that the horse’s saddle pad is clean, white and properly fitted. Clearly, I am pretending a lot of things about this photo.

From reader Marjean McIntyre

Our third and hopefully final rider, on the other hand, is doing an excellent job of not succumbing to the trend of jumping ahead of his horse–although he could stand to close his hip angle more to stay with his horse. His lower leg seems secure and his eyes are up, looking toward the next fence.

I’m going to decline comment on his release because I haven’t taken my blood pressure pills yet today.

The horse is demonstrating a fine bascule but is hanging his knees, which could become dangerous over a larger fence. Lots of work through gymnastic grids will improve his form. Maybe.

My white socks are clean, my bridle path is clipped, I’m braided and have hoof polish and a clean white saddle pad! As someone who grew up reading George, I have to say that your spoof is truly awesome!

Yes – I can hear him saying those words. I like where ‘he’ says: ” He has a fairly pleasant look on his face, considering the fact that his rider is on the verge of strangling him to death.”

You know we have all seen the lovely photos in the PH magazine and these photos are proof every rider at all levels can be caught off guard. And we can make fun of ourselves. Well thought out, touching to the core.
~Laura

Don’t lose the fact many of you ride in one or more of George’s clinics with the goal to learn anything useful from one of the greatest horseman /teacher the USA has produced. The connection from his eyes to the wit of his tongue are extraordinary teacher/student opportunities.. He’s always been acerbic . He can’t help being older but he recognizes ironies in horsemanship that his eyes-brain-tongue spew forth faster than a smart phone can video the entire situation. Listen up. There will never be another George Morris as there is little chance to ever see as great an all around horseman as Jimmy Williams.

I laughed so hard at the pics and the words. As an old school rider, I completely agree with the observations about the positions some young riders use today. What is up with the arched backs and no straight line to the bit? Anyway, this was great whoever wrote it.

In the first photo “George” write that the rider should keep her hands a little closer to the horses neck/ He neglects to remark that she should keep her ENTIRE BODY closer to the horse as there is at least two feet between the horse and rider as they sail over the jump